Religious garb / jewelry in the classroom?

A major part of me is coming back to practicing me Jewish faith. I've finally found a synagogue I like in this city and will probably join shortly. However, I'm concerned about wearing my Star of David in my classroom. Would it be seen as a political statement by others? The rest of my faculty knows of my faith because I worked through Yom Kippur but was still fasting during the day. Also, aside from one student who wears a hijab, I believe the student population is Christian. I don't want to completely alienate them, but at the same time, I want them to be aware that there are other points of view out there.

Thoughts? Experiences?

 

I see no problem with it,as long as other teachers wear religious items. I'm also more comfortable with discreet religious symbols, and less comfortable with shirts with religious scriptures.

 

Yes, if other teachers are allowed to wear a cross, I see no issue.

 

I believe the student population is Christian. I don't want to completely alienate them

As a Christian, I like King David

 

To cant imagine this being a problem. Wear it proudly!

 

Thank you. In previous careers (retail, banking), I had been advised against wearing my Star during work hours.

 

I don't see a problem with it. You might be asked about it by kids, which I see as a teaching opportunity. Diversity is beautiful and I think it's great that kids learn about other religions from an academic standpoint.

 

I have a cross that I wear on a necklace. It is not big, but I can only think of a handful of times I took it off in over 25 years. When it isn't on I feel just weird. Lol. I never had a problem with anyone when I wear it.

 

I think it is who you are and you shouldn't need to hide that. How will others take it? I doubt anyone will have a problem with it, but it is impossible to know for sure. I am Catholic and I know I wouldn't mind anyone wearing a cross, star of David, or any simple piece of religious jewelry of any faith.

 

I don't see a problem keeping a small, unobtrusive necklace or piece of jewelry, as long as you aren't going out of your way to point it out to students.

 

I probably wouldn't think twice. it's a nice symbol of faith, plenty of religious people wear something or other. As a religious person myself, I think it's nice to see people wearing their symbols of faith.

And, geez, if kids can't handle a bit of religious jewelry in the classroom that doesn't bode well for their futures.

 

It's on. Literally, I'm wearing a small necklace. Doubt anyone will notice this morning. They're coming back from a holiday weekend and are half asleep.

 

If anyone says anything then it is religious discrimination and no one wants to go there.

 

I wear a cross necklace and there's no problems, and several teachers have religious posters by their desk or bible verses etc

 

I don't often see Christian people as having any issues with Jewish people. They're mostly at odds with Muslims, and would be more likely to complain if you were to wear a hijab. However I do know that some Muslims who have opinions on the Palestine/Israel conflict might have some issues. If they are not a large portion of your population, I don't think there would be any reason to refrain from wearing it, but it's a good idea to weigh how different people might react to be ready just in case.

 

Wow... suspended? Geeeee. As long as it goes across the board religion-wise with the suspensions.

 

Personally, I think this is a non-issue.

 

Yeah! I don't doubt Ed, but wow, what a rule. Suspension! That sounds like a rather paranoid culture to me.

 

Sounds like religious persecution no matter what religion screws up and bares their emblem. BUT I guess devil worshipers would be able to show off their garb no matter how gruesome it might be.

 

I wear a cross every day that is visible but small enough that it probably isn't noticed by most. I think no one would bat an eye in my district if you wore your star. I hope those in your district don't make you uncomfortable to wear it.

 

Two days of wearing my Star have evoked no comment one way or the other so far. I'm originally from PA, so perhaps it was a thing there that has me concerned?

 

That makes sense. I guess I still see suspension as too big a consequence, though. What if the jewelry or other religious item accidentally slips out?

Yeah, I'm probably going to crazy town on the what-if thing and I'm sure most people handle this reasonably, so I'll shut up now.

 

My P and AP have both seen my necklace without incident. My students aren't freaking out. I'm going to close this thread with many thanks for the support.